Tony Parker fights Mike Conley to get to the lane as the Spurs host the Grizzlies at the AT&T Center on March 23, 2017.

Tony Parker fights Mike Conley to get to the lane as the Spurs host the Grizzlies at the AT&T Center on March 23, 2017.

Photo: Tom Reel, Staff / San Antonio Express-News

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Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) stands on the court before the start of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons Sunday, April 9, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) stands on the court before the start of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons Sunday, April 9, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn.

Photo: Brandon Dill /Associated Press

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San Antonio Spurs’ Danny Green reacts after making a 3-pointer during first half action against the Golden State Warriors Wednesday March 29, 2017 at the AT&T Center.

San Antonio Spurs’ Danny Green reacts after making a 3-pointer during first half action against the Golden State Warriors Wednesday March 29, 2017 at the AT&T Center.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas /San Antonio Express-News

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Memphis Grizzlies’ James Ennis III (8) works under the basket as Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry, left, and Matt Barnes (22) defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 26, 2017, in Oakland, Calif. less

Memphis Grizzlies’ James Ennis III (8) works under the basket as Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry, left, and Matt Barnes (22) defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, March 26, ... more

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez /Associated Press

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Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) guards against Memphis Grizzlies’ Vince Carter during their game at the AT&T Center on Tuesday, Apr. 4, 2017.

Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard (2) guards against Memphis Grizzlies’ Vince Carter during their game at the AT&T Center on Tuesday, Apr. 4, 2017.

Photo: Kin Man Hui /San Antonio Express-News

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Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) reacts after scoring a 3-point shot in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers Wednesday, March 29, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Vince Carter (15) reacts after scoring a 3-point shot in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers Wednesday, March 29, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn.

Photo: Brandon Dill /Associated Press

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Spurs’ LaMarcus Aldridge (12) gets challenged on a shot against Memphis Grizzlies’ JaMychal Green (00) during their game at the AT&T Center on Tuesday, Apr. 4, 2017.

Spurs’ LaMarcus Aldridge (12) gets challenged on a shot against Memphis Grizzlies’ JaMychal Green (00) during their game at the AT&T Center on Tuesday, Apr. 4, 2017.

Photo: Kin Man Hui /San Antonio Express-News

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Memphis Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green (0) grabs a rebound in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons Sunday, April 9, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn.

Memphis Grizzlies forward JaMychal Green (0) grabs a rebound in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Detroit Pistons Sunday, April 9, 2017, in Memphis, Tenn.

Photo: Brandon Dill /Associated Press

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Spurs’ Dewayne Dedmon (03) grabs a pass against Los Angeles Lakers’ Brandon Ingram (14) during their game at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Apr. 5, 2017.

Spurs’ Dewayne Dedmon (03) grabs a pass against Los Angeles Lakers’ Brandon Ingram (14) during their game at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Apr. 5, 2017.

Photo: Kin Man Hui /San Antonio Express-News

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Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33), of Spain, looks to pass as San Antonio Spurs center Dewayne Dedmon defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in San Antonio.

Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33), of Spain, looks to pass as San Antonio Spurs center Dewayne Dedmon defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in San Antonio.

Photo: Darren Abate /Associated Press

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San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills, right, of Australia, drives against Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 95-89 in overtime. less

San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills, right, of Australia, drives against Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in San Antonio. San ... more

Photo: Darren Abate /Associated Press

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Zach Randolphof the Memphis Grizzlies reacts after making a shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of a 103-100 Oklahoma City Thunder victory at FedExForum on April 5, 2017.

Zach Randolphof the Memphis Grizzlies reacts after making a shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half of a 103-100 Oklahoma City Thunder victory at FedExForum on April 5, 2017.

Photo: Frederick Breedon /Getty Images

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Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reacts to Game official James Capers (19) during the Spurs game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the AT&T Center on Tuesday, Apr. 4, 2017. Spurs defeated the Grizzlies in overtime, 95-89. less

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reacts to Game official James Capers (19) during the Spurs game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the AT&T Center on Tuesday, Apr. 4, 2017. Spurs defeated the Grizzlies in ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui /San Antonio Express-News

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Memphis Grizzlies coach David Fizdale gestures during the second half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 95-89 in overtime. less

Memphis Grizzlies coach David Fizdale gestures during the second half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Tuesday, April 4, 2017, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 95-89 in ... more

Photo: Darren Abate /Associated Press

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Spurs vs. Grizzlies: Position by position matchups

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Express-News staff writer Jeff McDonald breaks down the series position by position (player jersey number in parentheses):

Breakdown: Parker has played in more playoff games than any player on either roster, ranking as the highest-scoring point guard in postseason history (3,885 points). At 34, Parker enjoyed a solid — if injury marred — season as a set-up man for Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge. The Spurs, however, will likely need more from him in the postseason. Conley, 29, has enjoyed a breakout season after signing a record $153 million contract last summer. He averaged 20.5 points and 6.3 assists, and will be a handful to control.

Breakdown: Shooting-wise, few players run as hot and cold as Green, who was leading the NBA in 3-point percentage in mid-January. He made just 26 of 84 3-point tries after the All-Star break, finishing with a 37.9-percent mark. Green’s defensive prowess is a constant and he could factor into the Spurs’ plan for handling Conley. Ennis appears the likely replacement for Tony Allen, the five-time all-league defender lost to a calf strain in Memphis’ season finale. A 26-year-old journeyman, Ennis has played for three teams in three seasons.

Breakdown: Leonard’s star continued to rise in his sixth NBA season, in which he posted new highs in scoring (25 points per game), assists (3.8) and free-throw percentage (88.0). He is the Spurs’ top point producer since 1994-95, when David Robinson averaged 27.6. Generally regarded as the league’s top two-way player, Leonard will remain a fixture on All-NBA teams for seasons to come. The NBA’s oldest player at 40, Carter has shown something is still left in the tank. He hit 38 percent of his 3-pointers this season. The Spurs haven’t forgotten the buzzer-beater he made for Dallas to beat them in a 2014 first-round game.

Breakdown: Aldridge didn’t receive the statistical bump many players seem to in their second season in San Antonio. His per-game averages of 17.3 points and 7.3 rebounds were his lowest since his rookie season, while his shooting percentage (47.7) lurked below career norms. Still, the 31-year-old Aldridge is talented enough to be a lethal option 1B on nights Leonard is under wraps. Aldridge’s defense has been vastly underrated throughout his career, and he could be key on that end against the Grizzlies’ collection of big men. Green cut his teeth with the Spurs, appearing in four games in 2014-15 while shuttling between the D-League.

Breakdown: Had it not been for a January hand injury to the Spurs’ then-starting center, this could have been a Gasol-on-Gasol matchup. Dedmon emerged as the Spurs’ starter after Pau Gasol fractured his hand, and the move pushed the team’s defensive numbers into elite territory. A late bloomer set to make his postseason debut, Dedmon grabbed 13.4 rebounds per 36 minutes, a necessary skill against Memphis. The younger Gasol remains one of the league’s top all-around centers, and posted career bests in scoring (19.5 points) and assists (4.6 per game) this season.

EDGE: GRIZZLIES

BENCH

Breakdown: Depth remains the Spurs’ calling card, with a bench that led the NBA in net efficiency (plus-8.5) and assists (10.4 per game). With Pau Gasol joining the Spurs’ second unit after the All-Star break, the reserves outscored their opponents’ bench in 22 of the final 27 games. While Manu Ginobili remains the heart of the Spurs’ bench, Patty Mills has become its catalyst. The Spurs were 36-2 this season when Mills scored at least 10 points. The Grizzlies’ bench got a boost before the start of the season, when Zach Randolph — a former All-Star and one-time Spurs killer — shifted from the starting five. The drop in minutes has lessened Randolph’s raw averages, but per-36 minutes the 35-year-old is enjoying his best season since 2010-11. Look out for Troy Daniels, who is shooting a team-best 39 percent from 3-point range.

Breakdown: The most decorated and longest-tenured coach in professional sports, Popovich is due NBA Coach of the Year consideration for guiding the Spurs to a 61-21 record in their first season after Tim Duncan’s retirement. His 158 postseason victories rank third all-time behind Phil Jackson and Pat Riley. Popovich and Miami’s Erik Spoelstra are the only active coaches with multiple NBA championships. Fizdale is in his first season as an NBA head coach, but he’s no newbie. The 42-year-old was a key member of Spoelstra’s bench in Miami, when the Heat went to four consecutive NBA Finals. He has long been considered one of the league’s up-and-comers.